Ark Survival Evolved

Updated on April 1, 2026

5 min read

Doc Summary

Introduction #

In this doc you will find usefull information regarding your Ark Survival Evolved Game Server at ProRedLine. After reading this doc, you’ll know how to configure your server, use RCON, and more.

Startup Variables #

Once the server has been created, you will need to configure it before it can run as expected.

On your server’s dashboard, go to the “Startup” tab. Here, you will find several settings that you can configure according to your specific needs. Below is a list of options available for your ARK: Survival Evolved server in the “Startup” tab:

STARTUP COMMAND and DOCKER IMAGE are read-only variables and cannot be modified.

(OPTIONAL) SERVER PASSWORD. If specified, players must provide this password in order to join the server. Leaving this variable empty, disables the SERVER PASSWORD.
ADMIN PASSWORD. This password must be provided via the in-game console each session and/or to connect with RCON to gain administrator commands on the server.
SERVER MAP. This is the map for the server. We only recommend changing this variable before starting the server. Sometimes the server may need to be re-installed completely to use a different map. The available maps are: TheIsland, TheCenter, Ragnarok, ScorchedEarth_P, Aberration_P, Extinction, Valguero_P, Genesis, CrystalIsles, Gen2, Fjordur
SERVER NAME. This is the name of your Ark Survival Evolved server. This name will be shown in the steam and in-game server lists.
(READ-ONLY) RCON PORT. This is the RCON port used to connect a RCON client with your Ark Survival Evolved server.
(READ-ONLY) QUERY PORT. This port is used by steam and the in-game server lists. To join manually via IP:PORT, this port must be provided. Using the normal game port, will not connect the player to the server, only the query port does that.
AUTO-UPDATE SERVER. This setting enables/disabled auto-updates on startup. Although Ark Survival Evolved rarely gets any updates anymore, we still recommend enabling AUTO-UPDATE SERVER.
BATTLE EYE. This is Ark Survival Evolved’s build-in anti-cheat system. We highly recommend leaving this option enabled as it helps preventing hackers/griefers.
(READ ONLY) APP ID. This is the APP ID used by steam to check for updates.
ADDITIONAL ARGUMENTS. Specify additional launch options, but use with caution. You must include a dash – and separate each parameter with space: -crossplay -exclusivejoin
MODS. Leave this field blank to disable mods. If you want mods, visit the Steam Workshop, find the mod you want, and copy the Project ID from the mod’s URL. Enter the Project ID(s) in this field, separated by commas (e.g., 1234,1235,1236) if you want multiple mods.

MAX PLAYERS. Specifies the maximum number of players allowed to join the server at the same time. This option is prefilled with ProRedLine’s recommended maximum players based on each server plan. This value can be changed, but do so with caution.
BETA BRANCH. Installs beta branch if specified. Use with caution.

Starting your server #

Once you have configured all the settings, you can start the server by going to the “Console” tab and clicking “Start”.
Wait a few moments for the server to boot. Once RCON has connected (connection can take up to 15 minutes), the control panel will tell you the server has started.

Note: The first time you start your server, it may take a little longer for your game server to show up in steam and Ark Survival Evolved’s server lists. Instead of waiting for your server to show up, we recommend manually joining your server with the IP:PORT for the first time.

Changing Configurations #

If you wish to change settings not listed in the Variables section, you can edit the server’s config file. However, note that any changes to the Variables options in the “Startup” tab will override the corresponding settings in the config file. We recommend only changing values in the config file that are not listed in the Startup tab.

RCON #

RCON (Remote Console) allows you to manage and execute commands on your Ark Survival Evolved server externally, like a RCON client. There are a lot of free RCON clients available to download and use for your Ark server. Your server’s control panel has a limited RCON client build in through the console, but an external RCON client is recommended for more features and practicality.

How to enable this feature #

ProRedLine-hosted Ark Survival Evolved servers have RCON enabled by default. You may notice this when starting the game server. The console will show ‘waiting for connection… (connection can take up to 15 minutes)’ until the console has successfully connected. Once connected, your server has successfully started and players can join. Like the console says, it can take up to 15 minutes before connection has been established.

Using an RCON client instead of control panel console #

We recommend the ARKon client, but most other clients can be used as your ProRedLine Ark Survival Evolved RCON client. To connect to your server using ARKon, follow these steps:

After starting your Ark Survival Evolved server, start ARKon (or your preferred RCON client) and go to the ‘Settings’ tab.
Give this configuration a name within ARKon. This is only visible within ARKon, not on the Ark Survival Evolved server.
Fill in the game server’s IP address.
Fill in the game server’s RCON port. This can be found in the game server’s control panel ⇒ startup ⇒ RCON PORT.
Fill in the game server’s ADMIN Password. This can be found and changed in the game server’s control panel ⇒ startup ⇒ ADMIN PASSWORD.
Fill in the chat name users will see as the sender when sending in-game messages through ARKon.
Save your configuration in ARKon.
And finally, connect with your game server.

Now you will be able to use all ARKon features on your Ark Survival Evolved server.

Updating server #

To update your server’s software, follow these steps:

Go to the “Settings” Tab: Open your server dashboard and navigate to the Settings tab.
Scroll Down: Locate the option labeled Reinstall Server.
Click on “Reinstall Server”: This will start the reinstallation process.

Important note: Reinstalling your server using this method will update the core files only. Your saved data, mods, and custom configurations will generally remain intact. However, we strongly recommend creating a backup of all essential data before proceeding, as some server types may still overwrite or remove custom content.

Clean Reinstallation #

To fully reinstall your server with a clean set of software and files:

Stop the Server: Ensure your server is not running.
Delete All Files: Navigate to the Files tab, select all folders and files, and click Delete.
Reinstall the Server: Once all files are removed, follow the same steps outlined above for updating your server.

Note: This process will permanently remove all files from your server, including custom folders, mods, and configurations. This action is irreversible unless you have created a backup in advance.

Troubleshooting & Support #

If you experience issues with your server, need help with panel-related settings, or have questions about your ProRedLine service, please contact ProRedLine Support first. Support requests related to provisioning, access, panel usage, billing, or service-level concerns should always be directed to ProRedLine.

For game-specific questions, such as gameplay behavior, official game mechanics, or title-specific configuration guidance, the official Survive The Ark Support is recommended.